It had been a while since we saw Von Miller play at the same level as his Super Bowl 50 self. But the Denver Broncos linebacker was back in full force again Sunday, against the Seattle Seahawks.
Plenty of Fuel Left in the Tank for Von Miller
Denver’s offense was severely lacking gumption in 2017. Miller’s three sacks, two forced fumbles and fumble recovery against Seattle was a potent reminder of the once-great defense.
Rookie outside linebacker Bradley Chubb was in awe of Miller’s performance. He told ESPN, “When he got the first [sack] I was like, ‘OK, he’s so special.’ He got the second one, I was like, ‘OK, he needs to slow down, I need to get one,’ and then he got the third one I was like, ‘All right, this is his game and nobody can take that from him’”.
Miller’s Still Got It
According to Jeff Legwold of ESPN, personnel executives around the league believed that Miller had his best all-around season in 2017. This was despite only finishing with 10 sacks, his lowest total since 2013 (he missed seven games). It was the relentless attention he got from opposing blockers every game that contributed to a miserable season for the team.
2017 was a year in which the Broncos only led 26 percent of the time, so Miller’s pass-rush abilities were barely seen, as the team struggled to catch up to opponents.
The Broncos can have a real shot at a successful season if the formula from the season opener is implemented moving forward.
What Formula?
“All I gotta do is rush”, said Miller.
He did. It was his fifth career three-sack game and the first time he’s had three sacks in a season opener. The three sacks also gave him 86.5 in 105 career games, putting him at No. 50 in NFL history.
All of Miller’s sacks happened when the Broncos were in the lead. Miller sacked Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson twice in the second quarter, which resulted in a missed 51-yard field goal by Sebastian Janikowski. If Miller can perform at this level when Denver isn’t in a favorable position, there won’t be much reason to worry.
“I never move faster than I have to and never slower than I need to. We’ve got a great team, a great win today, played great defense; that’s how you want to start a season.”
With that attitude and the obvious power he still possesses, Miller definitely has plenty more fuel left in the tank. Suffice it to say, Broncos defense is poised to have a very good year.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
